Apparatus for irrigating the vas deferens

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for irrigating the vas deferens in connection with a vasectomy reversal is described. The apparatus comprises a fluid delivery device having a first portion that connects to the vas deferens, the fluid delivery device connecting such that a catheter tip inserts into the vas deferens and is held in stable position relative thereto and such that fluid enters the vas deferens through the catheter tip.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/512,821 filed Mar. 20, 2017, now allowed, which is a U.S. NationalStage Entry of PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US2015/053578 filed Oct.1, 2015, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/062,059 filed Oct. 9, 2014, which are incorporated by reference.

FIELD

This invention relates generally to surgical instruments and, moreparticularly, to surgical instruments useful in techniques for theanastomosis of the vas deferens, i.e., vasectomy reversal orvasovasostomy.

BACKGROUND

Vasectomies are performed on millions of men worldwide annually. Forexample, approximately 500,000 vasectomies are performed each year inthe United States alone. Of those men that receive vasectomies,approximately five percent of such men subsequently choose to have theirvasectomies reversed. Vasectomies generally involve altering the humanmale anatomy such that sperm cells are unable to mix with seminal fluid.

In a human male, sperm cells are created in the testicles. The spermcells migrate from the testicles to the epididymis, a long, coiled tubethat connects the testicles to the vas deferens. At the time sperm cellsenter the epididymis, they are unable to fertilize an egg withoutassistance. However, the sperm cells mature as they travel through theepididymis and exit the epididymis capable of fertilizing an egg. Maturesperm cells enter the vas deferens from the epididymis and flow throughthe vas deferens to the seminal vessel. There, the sperm can enterseminal fluid which can then enter a human female and fertilize an egg.

To prevent fertilization, or for any other reason, some men choose tohave a vasectomy performed. To perform a vasectomy, a surgeon typicallycreates an opening in the scrotum using either a scalpel or some othersuitable means, and exposes the vas deferens. The vas deferens is thencut or separated and the two resulting open portions of the vas deferensare sealed. For example, each side of the separated vas deferens may besealed using sutures or cauterization.

The vas deferens is severed to prevent sperm exiting the epididymis fromflowing through the vas deferens and ultimately becoming part of theseminal fluid. In this way, any seminal fluid exiting the human malewill lack sperm. If seminal fluid does not contain sperm, fertilizationcannot take place using traditional means. Therefore, vasectomies can beeffective birth control procedures. However, some men wish to reverse asuccessful vasectomy and restore normal sperm flow.

Generally, two different types of surgeries, or repairs, exist toreverse vasectomies. Whichever surgery is used, the purpose of thesurgery is to reestablish the flow of sperm cells from the testiclethrough the vas deferens. The first repair involves reconnecting thedisconnected portions of the vas deferens created by the vasectomy. Thesecond repair is more complicated than the first repair and requires thevas deferens to be reconnected directly to the epididymis instead of theother portion of the vas deferens created by the original vasectomy.Thus, a portion of the vas deferens is bypassed in the second repair.

The first repair is generally preferred because of the differences insize and composition between the vas deferens and the epididymis. Thevas deferens is relatively tough and about 3 millimeters in diameter. Incontrast, the epididymis is relatively fragile and roughly 0.3millimeters in diameter. Thus, it is generally easier to surgicallyreconnect two different portions of the vas deferens than to connect thevas deferens to a portion of the epididymis.

Although the first repair is generally preferred, sometimes the secondrepair is required. For a variety of reasons, after a vasectomy isperformed, obstructions can occur in either the epididymis or the vasdeferens. For example, the sperm that are unable to migrate through thevas deferens can form an obstruction, or sperm plug, in either theepididymis or in the portion of the vas deferens still in fluidcommunication with the testicles. One indication that sperm have formeda sperm plug is the observation that vasal fluid has small clumps ofsolid material within the fluid.

The second repair, sometimes called epididymal bypass surgery, is muchmore expensive and complicated than the first repair. The second repaircan last about an hour and can require an epidural or a generalanesthetic. In contrast, the first repair can require only a localanesthetic and lasts a significantly shorter amount of time.

In addition to the greater complexity of the procedure, the secondrepair is generally less successful than the first repair. Publishedstudies since the 1980's report sperm return in only 60% to 68% ofpatients and pregnancy rates in about 25% to 57% of patients. Bothranges are lower than the rates for the first repair. Therefore, if anonsurgical solution could be found for those patients that had in thepast required the second repair, patients could be saved the pain,expense and potential complications associated with the second repair.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In part, the present application relates to an apparatus for irrigatingthe vas deferens of a patient in connection with a vasectomy reversal.The apparatus comprises a fluid delivery device having a first portionthat connects to the vas deferens. The fluid delivery device connectssuch that a catheter tip inserts into the vas deferens and is held instable position relative thereto and such that fluid enters the vasdeferens through the catheter tip. In some instances, the apparatus canhave a fluid delivery device having a first portion that attaches to theadventitia or surrounding connective tissue of the vas deferens.

In some embodiments, the fluid delivery device comprises a catheterassembly, a clamp and a stabilizing bar. The catheter assembly has afirst end suitable for connection to a fluid reservoir and terminates ata second end in the catheter tip, which is configured for insertion intothe vas deferens. The clamp is configured to clasp around the vasdeferens when the catheter tip is positioned within the vas deferens.The clamp and the catheter tip form part of the first portion of thefluid delivery system. The stabilizing bar is connected to the clamp andthe catheter assembly such that the clamp and the catheter assembly areheld in stable position relative to each other.

In certain embodiments, the clamp has a first interactive tip and asecond interactive tip. The first interactive tip and the secondinteractive tip are shaped to clasp around the vas deferens when thecatheter tip is positioned within the vas deferens. The firstinteractive tip and the second interactive tip can interact to securethe catheter tip in the vas deferens during introduction of a fluid fromthe catheter to the vas deferens. Further, the first interactive tip andthe second interactive tip can interact to secure the catheter tip inthe vas deferens during breaking up of an obstruction in the vasdeferens by the introduction of the fluid. Additionally, at least one ofthe first interactive tip and the second interactive tip can have a hookportion which attaches to the adventitia of the vas deferens when thefirst interactive tip and the second interactive tip clasp around thevas deferens.

In some embodiments, the clamp further comprises a first arm and asecond arm. The first arm can comprise the first interactive tip and thesecond arm can comprise the second interactive tip. The first arm andthe second arm can be connected so that the first interactive tip andthe second interactive tip can be pressed towards one another.Additionally, the first arm and the second arm can be connected so as toresiliently bias the first interactive tip and the second interactivetip towards one another.

In certain embodiments, the fluid delivery device further comprises abase supporting the catheter assembly. A first end of the stabilizingbar can be connected to the base and a second end of the stabilizing barcan be connected to the clamp. The base can be a closed-end forcepsclamp. The forceps clamp can have a handle end and a clamp end with thefirst end of the stabilizing bar connected to the clamp end.

In some embodiments, the fluid delivery device further comprises a fluidreservoir. The fluid reservoir is configured to hold and release a fluidto the catheter assembly.

The apparatus can comprise a catheter assembly, itself comprising acatheter tip. The apparatus can further comprise a clamp. The clamp canfurther comprise a first arm and a second arm wherein the first arm andthe second arm each further comprise a first interactive tip and asecond interactive tip, respectively. The first and second interactivetips can be shaped so as to be able to clasp around the catheter tip andthe vas deferens. Additionally, the apparatus can comprise astabilization bar. The stabilization bar is connected to the catheterassembly and the clamp to allow the first and second interactive tips ofthe clamp to close around the catheter tip or the vas deferens.

In another embodiment, the apparatus further includes a fluid reservoir.The fluid reservoir is capable of holding and releasing a fluid to thecatheter assembly. The catheter assembly is capable of conveying thefluid into the vas deferens.

In another embodiment, the apparatus described in the presentapplication is adapted for irrigating the vas deferens in connectionwith a vasectomy reversal. The apparatus comprises a catheter assemblyhaving a first end suitable for connection to a fluid reservoir andterminating at a second end in a catheter tip suitable for insertioninto a vas deferens. The apparatus further comprises a clamp having afirst interactive tip and a second interactive tip where the tipsinteract to secure the catheter tip in the vas deferens during breakingup of the obstruction. The apparatus further comprises a stabilizing barconnected to the clamp and the catheter assembly such that the clamp andcatheter are held in stable position relative to each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of the apparatusdescribed in the present application.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of theapparatus described in the present application.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the apparatusshown in FIG. 2 wherein a rotational connection is used for thestabilization bar.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a frontal view of the clampportion of an embodiment of the current apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

In the description that follows, like parts are marked throughout thespecification and drawings with the same reference numerals,respectively. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and theproportions of certain parts have been exaggerated to better illustratedetails and features of the invention. Where components of relativelywell-known design are employed, their structure and operation will notbe described in detail.

Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a fluid delivery device orapparatus 10 described in the present application is shown. Theapparatus comprises a catheter assembly 12, which is also known as acannula assembly. Catheter assembly 12 can further comprise severalother components. For example, catheter assembly 12 can comprise acatheter tip 14, or cannula tip. Catheter tip 14 is configured so as tobe able to enter a vas deferens 20. Catheter tip 14 is furtherconfigured so as to be able to deliver a fluid 24 into vas deferens,schematically represented by tube 60.

Catheter tip 14 can optionally be attached to a filter 16. Filter 16 canbe positioned such that any fluid flowing through catheter tip 14 isappropriately filtered. In FIG. 1, filter 16 is shown interspaced influid transmission line 18.

Generally, catheter assembly 12 will comprise catheter tip 14 and afluid transmission line 18. In some embodiments, catheter assembly 12can comprise a single, unitary piece. For example, in some embodiments,catheter assembly 12 can be made of metal. In such an embodiment,catheter assembly 12 can optionally comprise a single metal unit withfluid transmission line 18 and catheter tip 14 being integral so as toform a unitary piece. In other embodiments, catheter tip 14 and fluidtransmission line 18 can be two separate pieces joined together. In thiscase, catheter tip 14 can also be attached to a luer 20. Typically, luer20 is adapted to provide a leak free connection between catheter tip 14and fluid transmission line 18. Luer 20 can use any suitable connectionmethod to connect to catheter tip 14. For example, luer 20 can bethreaded such that catheter tip 14 can screw into luer 20.

Luer 20 provides a connection between catheter tip 14 and fluidtransmission line 18. Fluid transmission line 18 can be connected toluer 20 by any suitable means or can comprise part of luer 20 itself.Fluid transmission line 18 can also be adapted to connect to a fluidline receiver 22, as further described below.

Fluid transmission line 18 can be any material or shape suitable forallowing fluid 24 to flow from a fluid reservoir 26 to catheter assembly12, through catheter tip 14 and into vas deferens 60. For example, fluidtransmission line 18 can be metal or comprise flexible or inflexibleplastics or polymers. Fluid transmission line 18 can comprise a singlecomponent or can comprise multiple components joined together. Forexample, the fluid transmission line 18 can be adapted to be detachedand reattached to fluid reservoir 26 such that the fluid reservoir 26can be periodically replaced if desired.

Fluid reservoir 26 is connected to fluid transmission line 18 so as tobe in fluid flow communication with catheter tip 14. Fluid 24 flowsthrough catheter assembly 12 and exits through catheter tip 14. Thus,fluid reservoir 26, fluid transmission line 18, catheter assembly 12 andcatheter tip 14 can be connected such that fluid 24 can flow into vasdeferens 60 and irrigate vas deferens 60 so as to remove obstructions,such as sperm plug.

Fluid reservoir 26 can comprise any suitable material and be of anysuitable size. Fluid reservoir 26 can comprise flexible or inflexibleplastics or polymers and be sized to contain 5 to 1,000 milliliters. Insome embodiments, fluid reservoir 26 can comprise a saline bag, asillustrated in FIG. 1. Typically, the saline bag will be sized tocontain 250 to 1,000 milliliters of fluid. In further embodiments, fluidreservoir comprises a syringe as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Typically, thesyringe will be sized to contain from 5 to 20 milliliters of fluid. Forexample, fluid reservoir 26 can comprise a syringe sized to hold 10milliliters of fluid. In such an embodiment, the plunger 28 of thesyringe will aid in transmitting fluid 24 from fluid reservoir 26through fluid transmission line 18, then through catheter tip 14 andinto vas deferens 60. As a result, vas deferens 60 is irrigated by fluid24. Fluid 24 contained in fluid reservoir 26 can be a sterile salinesolution.

In some embodiments, fluid transmission line 18 can be directlyconnected to fluid reservoir 26, such as illustrated in FIG. 2 when asyringe is used as fluid reservoir 26. In other embodiments, typicallywhere a saline bag is used as the fluid reservoir, fluid transmissionline 18 can use a second fluid transmission line 30. When second fluidtransmission line 30 is used, the two fluid transmission lines 18, 30are generally connected using fluid line receiver 22. Fluid linereceiver 22 functions similarly to luer 20 in that the purpose of fluidline receiver 22 is to provide a leak-free connection between fluidtransmission line 18 and second fluid transmission line 30. Second fluidtransmission line 30 is connected to fluid reservoir 26, and fluid linereceiver 22 can control the flow of fluid 24 from fluid reservoir 26through second fluid transmission line 30 into fluid transmission line18 using any suitable means. Fluid transmission line 30 can be connectedto fluid line receiver 22 using any suitable means. For example, fluidline receiver 22 can be threaded and second fluid transmission line 30can be adapted to screw onto or into fluid line receiver 22.

Similarly, second fluid transmission line 30 can connect to fluidreservoir 26 using any suitable means. The connection can include aportion of the fluid reservoir 26. Fluid reservoir 26 is adapted tocontain fluid 24 and allow fluid 24 to flow through fluid transmission18, through any connections, and through catheter tip 14.

Catheter assembly 12 is connected to a clamp 50 using a stabilizationbar 32. Stabilization bar 32 is configured to stabilize and positionclamp 50 such that claim 50 and catheter assembly 12 are held in stableposition relative to each other. The exact position and shape ofstabilization bar 32 can vary depending on the exact position and shapeof clamp 50. However either is shaped, stabilization bar 32 ispositioned or shaped so as to allow clamp 50 to close around cathetertip 14 and vas deferens 60.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, stabilization bar 32 iscomprised of a first member or mount 34 and a second member or bar 36.Bar 36 is attached to and extends outward from mount 34 such that at afirst end (not shown), it is attached to mount 34 and at a second end 38it is attached to clamp 50 so as to stabilize clamp 50 and hold it in apredetermined position. Bar 36 may be attached to mount 34 by anysuitable means which results in bar 36 and clamp 50 being held in astable position. In some embodiments, bar 36 is attached in anadjustable manner to mount 34. For example, bar 36 can slidingly engagemount 34 such that second end 38 can be extended out from mount 34, asillustrated in FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, the extension of second end 38 iscontrolled by screw device 39, which interacts with teeth on bar 36 (notshown).

In some embodiments, stabilization bar 32 can be adjustable in shape andorientation. There are a variety of mechanisms that would allow for theadjustment of stabilization bar 32 in shape and orientation. Forexample, stabilization bar 32 could comprise two members joined by ahinge. In such an embodiment, the hinge would allow the two memberscomprising stabilization bar 32 to be rotated with respect to oneanother and thereby adjust the orientation of stabilization bar 32. Fora further example, stabilization bar 32 could comprise two or moremembers rotatably connected to one another. In such an embodiment, therotation of the members comprising stabilization bar 32 could lengthenor shorten the total length of stabilization bar 32, as illustrated inFIG. 3.

As further illustrated by FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, stabilization bar 32 can beconnected to a base 40, which can be part of catheter assembly 12. Asillustrated by FIGS. 2 and 3, base 40 can have handles 42 forfacilitating positioning of fluid delivery device 10. Base 40 can be ofa forceps design as shown. The illustrated forceps design is aclosed-end forceps clamp. The forceps base can have first branch 44 andsecond branch 46 each terminating in a handle 42 at one end andterminating in a tip or clamp end 48 at a second end. Accordingly, theforceps design of base 40 can allow for attachment of the clamp end 48to the to the tissue surrounding the vas deferens in order to stabilizethe apparatus in relation to the vas deferens. Generally, the tissue towhich the clamp end 48 is attached will be the vasal sheath orconnective tissue immediately surrounding the vas deferens.

As stated, stabilization bar 32 can connect catheter assembly 12 toclamp 50. Clamp 50 can further have any shape suitable to hold cathetertip 14 in place inside vas deferens 60. By stabilizing clamp 50 relativeto catheter assembly 12, stabilization bar 32 causes the apparatus to bein a stable position relative to the patient being operated upon.

In some embodiments, stabilization bar 32 or base 40 can have a smallchamber or tube (not shown). The chamber or tube is designed to receivecatheter tip 14 therein. Thus, catheter tip 14 connects to stabilizationbar 32 and base 40 by being introduced into the chamber or tube. In oneprocess using this design, catheter assembly 12 is attached to syringe26 prior to being introduced into the chamber. Subsequently, cathetertip 14 of catheter assembly 12 is introduced into the chamber so as toplace the fluid 24 of syringe 26 in fluid flow communication with thevas deferens.

FIG. 4 provides another view of clamp 50 interacting with catheter tip14 and vas deferens (not shown). In this view, it is clear that clamp 50has a first arm 52 a and a second arm 52 b. First arm 52 a and secondarm 52 b can further comprise a first interactive tip 54 a and a secondinteractive tip 54 b, respectively. First interactive tip 54 a andsecond interactive tip 54 b typically comprise the lower portion offirst arm 52 a and second arm 52 b, respectively. First interactive tip54 a and second interactive tip 54 b are shaped to aid in securing vasdeferens 60 around catheter tip 14. In some embodiments, firstinteractive tip 54 a and second interactive tip 54 b can be roughlyhemispherical in shape so as to adapt to the cylindrical shape of vasdeferens 60 and catheter tip 14. In other embodiments, first interactivetip 54 a and second interactive tip 54 b can be nearly straight so as toprovide greater pressure on some portions of vas deferens 60 aroundcatheter tip 14.

First interactive tip 54 a and second interactive tip 54 b areconfigured to interact with the particular geometry of catheter tip 14and vas deferens 60. In the embodiment shown, first interactive tip 54 aand second interactive tip 54 b are configured to clamp around acylindrical shape. Because first interactive tip 54 a and secondinteractive tip 54 b can have a roughly semi-circular in shape, they areable to clamp around vas deferens 60, hold vas deferens 60 in placearound catheter tip 14, and not damage or impart unnecessary force ontovas deferens 60. However, first interactive tip 54 a and secondinteractive tip 54 b are not limited to the semi-circular configuration.For example, first interactive tip 54 a and second interactive tip 54 bmay have serrations for strong interaction with vas deferens 60. Forfurther example, first interactive tip 54 a and second interactive tip54 b may be triangular in shape such that first interactive 54 a andsecond interactive tip 54 b interact with only a portion of vas deferens60.

In some embodiments, first interactive tip 54 a and/or secondinteractive tip 54 b are configured to attach to the adventitia 61 orsurrounding connective tissue of vas deferens 60. For example, firstinteractive tip 54 a and second interactive tip 54 b can each have hooks58 which attach each tip 54 a, 54 b to the adventitia.

First arm 52 a and second arm 52 b of clamp 50 can press toward oneanother by any suitable mechanism such that first interactive tip 54 aand second interactive tip 54 b can clasp catheter tip 14 and vasdeferens 60. For example, first arm 52 a and second arm 52 b can beconfigured so as to resiliently bias first interactive tip 54 a andsecond interactive tip 54 b towards one another. For further example,first arm 52 a and second arms 52 b of clamp 50 can be pressed towardone another using a spring 56. Other suitable means to press firstinteractive tip 54 a and second interactive tip 54 b towards each othermay be used, such as a ratcheting connection or screw connection betweenfirst arm 52 a and second arm 52 b.

First arm 52 a and second arm 52 b can apply sufficient force to vasdeferens 60 through first interactive tip 54 a and second interactivetip 54 b such that vas deferens 60 remains firmly affixed to cathetertip 14. In this way, fluid 24 from fluid reservoir 26 enters vasdeferens 60 and does not spill out prior to flushing vas deferens 60.Further, first arm 52 a and second arm 52 b can apply sufficient forcearound vas deferens 60 such that a flow of fluid 24 cannot dislodgecatheter tip 14 from vas deferens 60.

Clamp 50 can interact with catheter tip 14 and vas deferens 60 with anappropriate predetermined amount of force. For example, if clamp 50exerts too much pressure on vas deferens 60 and catheter tip 14, clamp50 could collapse catheter tip 14 and thereby prevent fluid from flowinginto vas deferens 60. Additionally, if clamp 50 exerts insufficientpressure on vas deferens 60, fluid 24 may not be forced to flow into vasdeferens 60.

In a method using the presently described apparatus, vas deferens 60must first be exposed. For example, a surgeon can open the scrotum usinga scalpel. Any suitable method may be used to expose vas deferens 60such that a surgeon can interact with vas deferens 60. The surgeon canthen make a further incision into vas deferens 60 or otherwise interactwith vas deferens 60 in order to open vas deferens 60 to fluidcommunication with catheter tip 14. If an apparatus in accordance withFIG. 2 or 3 is used, clamp end 48 of the forceps base 40 can be clampedor attached to the vasal sheath or connective tissue immediatelysurrounding the vas deferens after the tip has been introduced into theincision. Catheter tip 14 can then be inserted into vas deferens 60 inthe desired location.

Once catheter 14 is inserted into vas deferens 60, clamp 50 can beattached by placing first interactive tip 54 a of first arm 52 a andsecond interactive tip 54 b of second arm 52 b around vas deferens 60,which also contain catheter tip 14. In this way, clamp 50 can secure vasdeferens 60 around catheter tip 14. Next, fluid 24 from fluid reservoir26 is allowed or caused to flow into vas deferens 60. Fluid 24 flowingfrom fluid reservoir 26 can flow through fluid transmission line 18 andany connections and into vas deferens 60. The flow of fluid 24 into vasdeferens 60 irrigates vas deferens 60. As a result of the irrigation,obstructions in vas deferens 60 can be reduced enough to restore spermflow through vas deferens 60.

Once obstructions in vas deferens 60 have been removed, the clamp 50 isremoved from vas deferens 60 and catheter tip 14 is removed from vasdeferens 60. After catheter tip 14 and any obstruction in vas deferens60 have been removed, the severed portions of vas deferens 60 arereconnected. In this way, sperm flow from the epididymis to the seminalfluid is restored. Once the seminal fluid contains sperm, fertilizationof an egg may occur using traditional means.

Although the invention has been described with reference to a specificembodiment, the foregoing description is not intended to be construed ina limiting sense. Various modifications as well as alternativeapplications will be suggested to persons skilled in the art by theforegoing specification and illustrations. It is therefore contemplatedthat the appended claims will cover any such modifications, applicationsor embodiments as followed in the true scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for irrigating a vas deferens inconnection with a vasectomy reversal, the apparatus comprising: acatheter assembly having a fluid transmission line terminating in acatheter tip which is configured for insertion into the vas deferens; avas deferens clamp configured to clasp around the vas deferens when thecatheter tip is inserted into the vas deferens; and a forceps clampwherein the closed-end forceps clamp is configured to attach to tissuesurrounding the vas deferens in order to hold the apparatus in closeproximity to the vas deferens, and wherein forceps clamp, vas deferensclamp and catheter assembly are connected such that when the cathetertip inserts into the vas deferens, the vas deferens clamp clasps aroundthe vas deferens and the forceps clamp attaches to the tissuesurrounding the vas deferens so that the catheter tip is held in stableposition relative to the vas deferens and fluid enters the vas deferensthrough the catheter tip.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a stabilizing bar connected to the vas deferens clamp and theforceps clamp such that the vas deferens clamp, the forceps clamp andthe catheter assembly are held in stable position relative to eachother.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein a first end of thestabilizing bar connected to the forceps clamp and a second end of thestabilizing bar is connected to the vas deferens clamp.
 4. The apparatusof claim 3, wherein the vas deferens clamp has a first interactive tipand a second interactive tip, wherein the first interactive tip andsecond interactive tip are positioned relative to the catheter tip so asto be configured to secure the vas deferens around the catheter tip whenthe catheter tip is positioned within the vas deferens.
 5. The apparatusof claim 4, wherein the vas deferens clamp has a first arm terminatingat one end in the first interactive tip and a second arm terminating atone end in the second interactive tip, and wherein the stabilizing baris connected to the forceps clamp and the vas deferens clamp such thatthe first interactive tip and second interactive tip are adjacent to theforceps clamp, and the first arm and second arm extend perpendicular tothe forceps clamp.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first armand the second arm are connected so that the first interactive tip andthe second interactive tip can be pressed towards one another.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 6, wherein the first arm and the second arm areconnected so as to resiliently bias the first interactive tip and thesecond interactive tip towards one another.
 8. An apparatus of claim 7,wherein the fluid transmission line has a first end opposing thecatheter tip, wherein the first end is suitable for connection to afluid reservoir.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein furthercomprising: a fluid reservoir, wherein the fluid reservoir is configuredto hold and release a fluid to the catheter assembly.
 10. The apparatusof claim 9, wherein the first interactive tip and the second interactivetip interact to secure the catheter tip in the vas deferens duringintroduction of a fluid from the catheter to the vas deferens.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 10, wherein the first interactive tip and the secondinteractive tip further interact to secure the catheter tip in the vasdeferens during breaking up of an obstruction in the vas deferens byintroduction of the fluid.